4 but you will go to my country and to my relatives , and take a wife for my son Isaac ." 5 The servant said to him, "Suppose the woman is not willing to follow e me to this land ; should I take your son back to the land from where e you came ?" 6 Then Abraham said to him, " Beware that you do not take my son back there ! 7 " The Lord , the God of heaven , who took me from my father's house and from the land of my birth , and who spoke to me and who swore to me, saying , ' To your descendants I will give this land ,' He will send His angel before you, and you will take a wife for my son from there . 8 "But if the woman is not willing to follow e you, then you will be free from this my oath ; only do not take my son back there ."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 24:4-8
Commentary on Genesis 24:1-9
(Read Genesis 24:1-9)
The effect of good example, good teaching, and the worship of God in a family, will generally appear in the piety, faithfulness, prudence, and affection of the servants. To live in such families, or to have such servants, both are blessings from God which should be highly valued, and thankfully acknowledged. But no concern in life is of greater importance to ourselves, to others, or to the church of God, than marriage. It therefore ought always to be undertaken with much care and prudence, especially with reference to the will of God, and with prayer for his direction and blessing. Where good parents are not consulted and regarded, the blessing of God cannot be expected. Parents, in disposing of their children, should carefully consult the welfare of their souls, and their furtherance in the way to heaven. Observe the charge Abraham gave to a good servant, one whose conduct, faithfulness, and affection, to him and his family, he had long known. Observe also, that Abraham remembers that God had wonderfully brought him out of the land of his birth, by the call of his grace; and therefore doubts not but He will prosper his care, not to bring his son thither again. God will cause that to end in our comfort, in which we sincerely aim at his glory.